Relive Your Childhood with These Nostalgic Sloppy Joes

There's nothing quite like a Sloppy Joe sandwich to take you back to your childhood. This comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe is a guaranteed hit, and it's easy to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Get ready for a taste of simpler times!

What is a Sloppy Joe?

A Sloppy Joe is a sandwich featuring ground beef and onions in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce, all served on a soft hamburger bun. It's a classic American comfort food that's been a favorite for generations.

While the exact origins of the Sloppy Joe are debated, the most widely accepted story claims it was invented in Sioux City, Iowa, in the 1930s. According to legend, a cook named Joe created this "loose meat sandwich," which quickly became a local favorite.

How to Make the Best Sloppy Joes

Making Sloppy Joes is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:

Cook the beef, onion, and green pepper: Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and green bell peppers, and cook until softened.
Add the sauce ingredients: Drain off any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Simmer and serve: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve on toasted hamburger buns, generously piled high with the flavorful meat mixture.

Nicole's Top Sloppy Joe Tips

Nicole McLaughlin, a food blogger who shares her culinary adventures online, has some great tips for making the perfect Sloppy Joe. Here are her favorites:

Use lean ground beef: Nicole prefers lean ground beef because she likes to keep the rendered fat in the skillet to sauté the onions and peppers. This creates a richer, more flavorful sauce.
Choose the cheapest buns: For the ultimate Sloppy Joe experience, Nicole recommends using the most affordable hamburger buns you can find. These buns will absorb the excess sauce, creating that classic, messy, and delicious experience.
Overfill the bun: Don't be shy with the filling! Nicole suggests overfilling the buns, letting some of the meat mixture spill out the sides. This allows for easy scooping with potato chips – the perfect way to enjoy every last bit of your Sloppy Joe!

What to Serve with Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are best enjoyed with classic diner-style sides. Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:

Homemade sweet potato fries: This recipe creator suggests serving these Sloppy Joes with homemade sweet potato fries for a delicious contrast in flavor and texture.
Homemade crispy seasoned French fries: Another popular choice for a classic diner experience.
Homemade mac and cheese: A creamy and comforting side dish that complements the savory flavors of the Sloppy Joe.
Refrigerator dill pickles: A refreshing and tangy contrast to the sweet and savory flavors of the sandwich.
Restaurant-style house salad: A lighter option to balance out the richness of the Sloppy Joe.
Boston baked beans: A hearty and flavorful side dish that goes well with the classic diner theme.

Can You Make Sloppy Joes Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your Sloppy Joes ahead of time and enjoy them later. Simply follow the recipe instructions, let the mixture cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat the mixture thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave and serve on fresh hamburger buns.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
¾ cup ketchup (or to taste)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or to taste)
1 teaspoon yellow mustard (or to taste)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
6 hamburger buns, split

Directions

Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's browned and some of the fat has rendered (about 3-4 minutes).
Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, stirring frequently (about 3-5 minutes).
Add the sauce: Drain off any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken.
Assemble the sandwiches: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the hamburger buns, and enjoy!

Recipe Tip

If you are using ground beef with a higher fat content than lean, be sure to drain off any excess fat before adding the sauce ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Category	Amount
Calories	243
Fat	16g
Carbs	11g
Protein	14g

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Enjoy your trip down memory lane with these classic Sloppy Joes!